Top five: Fastest strikers in Europe

The speed series has looked at the quickest fullbacks, centre-backs, right-wingers and left-wingers in Europe – but it is now time to round off the series with the top five strikers possessing deadly speed.

Although every effort has been made to back up our choices, this list is sure to be controversial. Have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the page - maybe even share your own top five!

So, to finish off the speed series, take a look at our top five fastest strikers in Europe:

Sergio Agüero | Manchester City

Although only 5ft 9in, Agüero boasts a uniquely muscular build for a striker of his size. The powerful thighs of the Argentinian forward allow him to effortlessly accelerate past defenders and quickly shift through his gears until he hits top speed.

According to the DailyTelegraph, former Atlético Madrid manager Abel Resino described the 24-year-old as “a good player to have in counter-attacks and must be treated with extreme caution because of his speed.

“He has tremendously powerful legs, he is very skilful with both feet and he thinks so quickly.”

Seydou Doumbia | CSKA Moscow

If you stick this Ivorian striker up front and hoof a decent through ball over the top, you can expect him to get to the ball before any defender in the world. Seydou Doumbia is a frightening opponent to come up against due to his electric pace and cool finishing ability.

Henry was widely regarded as one of the fastest players on the planet during his peak, and the same goes for Seydou Doumbia currently. Should Olivier Giroud and co continue to disappoint up front, perhaps we could soon see the 25-year-old in a Gunners shirt?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Saint-Etienne

The clinical Saint-Etienne striker is gaining recognition as one of the quickest players in world football, and rightly so, judging by his reported claim of running 100m in roughly 11 seconds as a 16-year-old.

Speed is certainly his main asset, but the 23-year-old backs up his superb athleticism with a reliable eye for goal. Aubameyang has scored an impressive 17 goals in 31 appearances in Ligue 1 for Saint-Etienne this season.

In case you haven’t seen him in action yet, the link below shows the Gabon-born striker in full flight, using his natural speed to both create and finish scoring opportunities. Watch here: http://youtu.be/a5ls8pv7998

Samuel Eto’o | Anzhi Makhachkala

He may be 32-years-old and no longer playing in a top European league, but Samuel Eto’o has been and still is one of the fastest strikers in the world.

The Cameroon international is virtually unstoppable when he gets going, and once he gets past his man in the final third, the outcome is usually a goal thanks to his impeccable finishing.

Thie link below shows the speed Eto’o is capable of reaching, and defenders will be hoping he finally starts to slow down in his advancing age. Watch here: http://youtu.be/T83Iqknj51U

Gabriel Agbonlahor | Aston Villa

Many consider Agbonlahor to be one of the fastest sprinters in the Premier League, so it might not be to learn that he hung up his running spikes at a young age in order to maximise his career in football.

Self-belief and awareness are important traits for a striker because they fuel the confidence required to take on defenders and attempt the unexpected. ‘Gabby’ is a very direct player and he understands the importance of building a solid game around God-given athleticism.

"I've got pace, which I use, but that isn't everything", explained the Aston Villa star in an interview with The Guardian.

The England international is comfortable playing out wide or central in a front three, but it doesn’t matter where he plays, his acceleration and blinding speed can torment defenders all over the pitch.

With so many teams placing emphasis on counter attacking football these days, the modern game demands all strikers to have a swift turn of pace. Can you think of any rapid frontmen who didn’t make the list? Leave your opinion in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeFootball Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeFootball.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeFootball.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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